Explanatory models of mental disorders among traditional and faith healers in Ghana

Traditional and alternative medicine is an integral part of the mental healthcare system of many African countries. The treatments and practices of these traditional and alternative healers will be influenced by their ideas about the causes and effects of mental disorders. With the concept of explanatory models of illness as a framework, we examined the notions of different categories of traditional and faith healers about mental disorders. Using case vignettes, we conducted interviews with 36 participants to explore their beliefs about the causes, course and effects of a serious mental disorder, a common mental disorder and a disorder driven by social circumstances. From our data, there was consensus about what constituted a serious mental disorder. However, the other disorders were not seen as mental disorders. Although there was an acknowledgement of biological and social causes of serious mental illness, the dominant view was that of supernatural causes. The most significant effect of mental illness reported was a loss of social connectedness and productivity. These models are discussed with reference to their implications for collaboration, mental health literacy efforts, as well as biomedical practice.